Boarding Kennels

If the dog is to be excluded from the holiday it must be accommodated  for the duration  with a sympathetic friend  or a boarding  kennel. By law, boarding kennels in Britain must be licensed by the Local Authority. They are regularly inspected  to see  that  they  comply  with  the  requirements of the  Boarding Establishments Act, and in theory licensed premises should  be satisfactory as regards hygiene, comfort, and safety. Even so, it is advisable to discuss potential holiday homes with other dog owners and listen to their experiences; the local veterinary surgeon usually has a list of kennels in the area, and while he will not recommend one at the expense of another, the mere fact that a name appears on the practice list can usually be taken as an inference  that it is reasonable.

Having made a choice of a boarding kennel, make an appointment to view it. If the kennel does not welcome such inspection, opt for another  place which does. A properly run kennel will insist on an up-to-date certificate of the dog's vaccination and will need information  about  particular  diets, bitches coming into heat, or chronic  infirmities  and medications.

A good boarding kennel can be invaluable, and it will soon be apparent if the dog was well cared for and enjoyed his holiday; there may be other occasions when he  will have to  go  back, during  family illnesses  or  bereavements.  A boarding kennel may be expensive -and early booking is essential for the major holiday seasons    but the cost is well worth the knowledge that the family pet is secure  and cared  for.